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A must have

I first tried this product in a sample sized sachet and I have not stopped using it ever since. It's a little pricey - there are many clay and mud face masks on the market and most of them are much cheaper. However it is absolutely worth every penny. There is a subtle scent which is pleasant and not overpowering and the product is fairly easy to apply. I usually use a facial scrub and then follow with this mask. Only a thin layer is needed and it spreads over skin quite smoothly (although skin needs to be moist as the product will drag across dry skin and not spread evenly). The instructions say to leave the mask on skin for 5 minutes but whilst this is perfectly adequate to get results, the mask can be left on skin for a little longer to get to work even more. Unlike like other mud masks I have used, this sanctuary detox mask does not dry out or harden whilst on the skin, which can be quite an uncomfortable experience with other masks. When the mask has been left on as long as required you simply rinse off - the mask rinses of the face easily but you have to be thorough as it can get caught in small areas for example the sides of the nose.As soon as I have used this mask, whether for five minutes or more, I notice a difference in the radiance of my skin - it has a glow to it and looks healthy. When I am having a breakout, this is the first thing I turn to as it reduces redness and heals spots so much more quickly than any other product I have tried. It is also a great product to use weekly to prevent further breakouts and keep skin looking clear. The only downside I have found is that this product does not seem to have an effect on the blackheads around the nose, which is a little disappointing.For me this is an absolute must have product, and although it is a little more expensive than other brands I would rather pay the extra for the great results it gives.

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A warming treat for the face, a skincare staple rather than a quick fix.

Each year when the weather turns chilly that's my cue to dig out the woolly jumpers, hot water bottle and my Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask!

I don't have an overly complex beauty regime but I do tend to return to the same few reliable favourites, of which this is one. I use it maybe once a fortnight, alternating it with a different mask on the other week, which I'll review another time.

Available from Boots and costing £10.50, this mask isn't exactly cheap, bur I usually buy it as part of the frequent 3 for 2 skincare deal. A tube easily lasts me all winter (I'm currently using up last years).

The product------------------

This thermal Sanctuary mask claims to open up the pores so the charcoal and kaolin clay can help draw out the impurities from deep within the skin.

The mask comes in a tube a bit similar to a tube of toothpaste. This makes it easy to squeeze out the mask. Although practical, the packaging isn't the most attractive. It's a dowdy grey colour (which I assume is to reflect the charcoal/clay content). This makes it hard to read some of the print, including the instructions on the back.

The mask itself is a dark grey in colour also, with a hint of shimmer to it.

Using it------------

The mask is very very thick, and whilst it doesn't feel sticky on your face and it is easy to put on the required thin layer, it is very sticky on your hands.

What I love about this mask (as the name gives away!) is that it is self-heating, so as it comes into contact with your wet skin it gives off a lovely warmth. This feels lovely on skin that's suffering from the effects of winter like exposure to the cold and wind etc.

I leave the mask on for the suggested 5 minutes whilst it warms and cools and then rinse with warm water.

The main reason I choose this mask is because I love that it does not dry out on my face like masks containing clay often do. This makes it ideal for my combination skin, as I want the impurity-drawing-out properties of clay without the skin drying effects that often come with it.

The results-----------------

After using the mask my skin feels lovely and soft, clean and calm. Although I do love how the mask makes my skin feel I wouldn't necessarily say it has instant visible results in terms of reducing the appearance of pores/blemishes and so for that reason I wouldn't recommend it if you want instant results (for a special event for example). I would recommend it more as part of an ongoing beauty regime, particularly if like me you have combination skin so want the oil reducing effects of clay without the dryness that can come with it.

THE PACKAGING:A long slim tube which is pale grey with white text printed on and a tuquoise flip lid. I think it is simple and elegant.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:1. Cleanse skin thoroughly to remove make-up, leave skin damp.2. Twice weekly, massage a thin layer of the mask over face and neck.3. Allow to warm and cool naturally whie you relax.4. Rinse off with warm water or using a cloth.5. Pat dry and follow with a Santuary moisturiser.

FOLLOWING THE DIRECTIONS:1. No problems, remember to leave your skin damp as it the dampness that reacts with the mask to make it warm up on your skin.2. Make sure your hair is well tied back, the product is quite thick and stays wet. Its easy to get the mask out of the tube.3. Feel lovely as initially warms up. When cooling it stays wet, not drying hard and cracking when you move your face like some other clay masks do. It has a distinctive but inoffensive smell.4. Its quite thick so you will definitely need a face cloth, and it'll need a good rinse afterwards.5. Be gentle. I don't use a Sanctuary moisturiser, my favourite in Simple night cream.

THE RESULTS:I have combination skin with an oil t-zone, that is prone to breakouts, I only use this mask when my skin is problematic and I find after using it I find my skin feels thoroughly cleansed and is calmer, soft and less oily.

OVERALL:I find this product to be really good for my tempremental skin, it is good value for money as the tube lasts quite a while. I would recommend this to a friend and have bought it as part of a gift in the past.

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Lives up to the sanctuary brand

I bought this mask when it Boots were running an offer of 3 for 2, but is normally around £7 It was in the run up to my wedding so I was committed to having a good skin regime if only until my big day. Im a big fan of the sanctuary brand and have been delighted with many of their products in the past.

The self heating mud mask boasts itself to be rich in the natural minerals from the dead sea, aimed to purify and deep clean the skin. By opening the pores and drawing out toxins. The elements respnsible for this process according to the packaging are the thermal action of Zeolite and the detoxifying Kaolin!

It comes in a 200ml charcoal grey plastic tube with blue writing and has a blue flip top. It's easy to get the product from its container. The mask itself is also charcoal in colour and is has a thick consistency, it's difficult to describe the smell but is similar to other mud masks I have used in the past with no obvious added scents. On application it is smooth and as you rub it into your wet skin following which there is a gentle heat which is apparently how the pores are opened, you then leave it for 10 mins before washing off.

For me the warming feeling doesn't last long enough. It basically stops as soon as you stop rubbing the product into the area, however after the product is washed off my skin felt clean and refreshed. It is a relaxing process. I used this product regularly with the sanctuary exfoliator on alternate days and I really noticed the difference in my skin, it was clearer and brighter. Unfortunately being somebody who relies on a face wash alone most of he time ,im not 100% whether this was a result of finally managing to stick to aregukar skin regime or because of the products I was using, most likely a combination of the both, either way I was very pleased with the results.

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a nice mask but doesn't do exactly what it says on the tube

I bought this mask as I like Sanctuary products generally and Boots were running a 3 for 2 offer. The mask on its own retails at approximately £10.

The packaging was usual Sanctuary standard and there are were no surprises.

You cleanse your face as usual before putting this mask on and then leaving for 10 - 15 mins. The product is quite thick which made me wonder whether or not it is as good for value as other face masks as i seemed to use more product than normal.

It was easy to put on and not particularly 'clay' like which is what you often expect with charcoal / warming masks. It was smooth and sat nicely on the skin.

The mask warmed up, just as promised! It wasn't an uncomfortable feeling and if you have an opportunity to sit / lie down while the mask is on, it would be a relaxing experience.

You rinse off with a facecloth, or two! I found it took quite a bit to wash the mask off and even after getting through two facecloths, i still needed to splash with water before i felt my skin was completely clear of product.

After washing, my face had that squeaky feel so you knew that your face was nice and clean and smooth. It didn't feel particularly drying as some masks can be.

I have mildly sensitive, spot prone skin with blackheads in the usual places. Unfortunately, it was in the detox category that i felt let down by the product as it didn't decongest my skin at all and in fact i felt as though i had extra blackheads afterwards. It may be that they had been drawn to the surface and were ready to be disposed of by extraction but i was left a little disappointed.

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Luxurious, quality product, but doesn't last as long as one might expect for the price

For me, Sanctuary products have always been a bit hit and miss. In general I find their products lovely to use, but sometimes can't seem to justify the price. This product fits into that category. I'll start by explaining how I find it's best used...

Begin by cleaning skin thoroughly to ensure all make-up and grime is removed, using warm water to rinse face (this opens the pores ready for the face mask!). While face is still wet, squeeze a little of the paste onto your fingertips and proceed to spread around the face, being careful to avoid eye area. The effects should be felt instantly! The mask reacts with the water on your skin to create a lovely soothing, heating sensation, you can literally feel your pores opening! Once your whole face is covered, which can take a little longer then expected as the paste is quite thick, sit back and relax! If your a real perfectionist like me, pop some cucumber slices on your eyes :)After around 5 minutes, the mask is ready to come off! Gently rinse face until all the mask and remaining residue are gone.

From my experience the skin is left soft, supple and smooth! I have two niggle though. The first is that I wish the warming effect would last longer! Its so soothing and only seems to last whilst you're applying the mask. The second is the long term effects of the mask, at £10.20 in Boots for a mere 100ml tube, the effect on my skin is only short lived and by the next day, my skin is back to it's rough and oily self again!!

Overall, a lovely product to use, but in my opinion, not quite worth the cost.

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See review

I purchased the Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Mask as part of a 3 for 2 offer in Boots as a treat. I find that the Sanctuary products are a little out of my student price range! I think when I purchased it, the product was around the £9 mark, so on 3 for 2 (purchased with 2 other Sanctuary products) it cost me in real terms £6- I personally think this is a more reasonable price and is comparable to masks from The Body Shop or Lush etc.

The bottle is nothing exciting, dark grey with the product information emblazoned on it. The product is dispensed from the bottle by squeezing it (you'd never get the mask out if it had to be poured!) The squeezy part is covered by a clear cap which the bottle stands on and so all the product moves towards the dispensing end as it is stood up- is a bonus! It holds 100ml of product- this has lasted me 2-3 months using once a week and so I think it is value for money.

The mask is quite thick and is a grey colour and has a fairly pleasant smell. The directions on the bottle say to dampen face (I do this with a damp face cloth thus my face i not dripping) and then to apply generously. As soon as it makes contact with the damp skin on your face it hits up and is a really nice feeling. As the 5 mins fast it sets a little. After this time I gently remove with a damp face cloth. It is fairly easy to remove but boy does make the water look grubby so I don't really like combine using the mask with a bath.

After use my skin felt really soft and deep down cleansed. I use it once a week (though on the bottle it says you can use it 1-2 times a week) and have notice that there has definitley been a distinct improvement on the condition of my skin- thus I'd say (even though I have a student budget) it is worth the cost :-)

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A brilliant, effective face mask that does exactly what it says on the tin!

I have been using this face mask for years now (before they updated that packaging of the Santuary range) and it's one of my old faithful products that I use time and time again.

I'll set the scene for you, Tuesday night in my house is pamper night. That means face mask, hair mask, nails and eyebrows! (Seriously girls, tuesday night pampering is the way to go!) I use this mask every week and I love how good it makes my skin feel.

Firstly, we will talk packaging and price. The product itself comes packaged in a 100ml tube in a dark grey colour (which reflects the colour of the mask itself). The Sancutary logo is in blue on the top of the tube and the white writing tells you exactly what the product is. The packaging itself makes the product look high end although the £9 (approximately) price tag is slightly more expensive than some other high street skincare brands.

I have often harped on about how much I love products in a tube as they keep bacteria out and make the product last longer. One concern with products in a tube is that you can't put excess back and there can be wasteage. This mask isn't too runny, in fact I would say its a tad on the thick side when you squeeze it out, so you need not worry about wasting product.

The mask itself claims to help absorb excess oils and draw out impurities and also calm the skin. The ingredients within the product to achieve these effecte are Kaolin (a well known warming ingredient which draws out impurities) and myrrh essential oil to soothe and calm. As myrrh is one of the most expensive essential oils that you can buy, I feel the £9 price tag is well worth it as a bottle of the pure essential oil would set you back around £20 (and you can't use it neat on the skin).

In terms of application, the mask should be applied to wet skin (cleanse to remove any make-up first) and spread in a thin layer over the face (avoid the eyes). It is then left for 5 minutes before washing off with tepid water, you can use a sponge if you choose. Follow this up with moisturiser and your treatment in complete.

I have used other warming face masks before and this mask definately heats up better than any other mask I have used. It is very important to leave your skin wet as this enhances the warming process and helps you spread the product evenly.

Just one word of warning girls, if you may need to answer the door during your pampering sesh, this mask is a no-no! Its really does have that traditional grey-green mud mask colour and the boyfriend may be put off if he sees you with this on your face.

So, does it really draw out impurities? I have to say that I think it does. I tend to find that any spots I have look a lot better and smaller after using this product. My skin also looks more even in terms of tone and texture. Probably my favourite effect that this product gives is the really nice "squeaky clean" feeling that you get after using it, without the skin feeling tight or dry.

Overall, despite the price this is a product I will continue to buy time and time again. I believe this product is actually quite economical as the single use face mask sachets (from any manufacturer) tend to be about £1 each. You will get considerably more than 9 applications from this tube making the £9 price tag well worth it in my book.

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A fabulous treat for your skin

*Introduction*

I love Sanctuary products as you may well have guessed from my numerous reviews of their products. I saw this product in our bathroom cabinet a few months ago and was intrigued by the thick grey look of the product. My mum had brought the product but in my house we are pretty big on sharing things. I especially like to share what she buys...

*The Claim*

Sanctuary Spa Skincare has been professionally developed for our spa facials. With carefully chosen natural extracts and essential oils to work with your skin to rebalance, nourish and protect your complexion from skin-ageing.

Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask incorporates the following ingredients: Essential oils of mrryh: soothes and softens and helps to stimulate cell regeneration. Also aids circulation and acts like a preservative antiseptic and to reduce inflammation of the skin. Kaolin clay: draws out impurities. An oil absorbing powder that helps to cleanse the skin.

*Application*

If you follow these directions then you can't go wrong with the application of this detox mask:

Firstly, you need to make sure that you are applying this detox mask onto wet, clean skin as the use of this mask is kind of pointless on dirty skin. Personally, before applying this mask, I cleanse my skin to ensure that I will be getting the most out of the product. Smooth a thin layer of the warming charcoal detox mask over your face and neck. Take care not to get it in your hair although if you do, don't worry as it will rinse out relatively easily. Also, be careful not to get it in your eyes. I am sure no damage will be done although I would guess that it might sting. Leave the mask on for approximately 5 minutes to allow the mask to heat and cool. When ready, remove this with tepid water or a damp facial cloth.

*Price and Availability*

Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask is sold exclusively by Boots stores. You can also buy it online at www.boots.com or directly from the Sanctuary at www.thesanctuary.co.uk if this is you prefer to avoid going into town.

This product is available to buy for £8.97. It is fairly expensive but a fantastic treat for your skin so I consider it to be money well spent. You can also buy a 15ml Sachet of the Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask which is enough for one use. This retails at £1.75 and it is perfect if you want to try the product before buy a whole bottle or if you are purchasing the detox mask as a one off treat.

*My Opinion*

The packaging: Unlike the majority of Sanctuary products that are packaged in orange, this bottle is a dark grey colour with blue writing. It is packaged in a squeeze tube with an clear screw on lid. This lid is also the stand of the product. I personally prefer the flip lids but as far as screw on lids go, this is fairly easy to use with wet hands so the packaging gets my approval. The packaging does not look feminine in the slightest due to the darker colours used but I believe that it still looks classy and impressive and it still resembles the brand in its design.

Colour, texture and smell: Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask is a dark grey colour, similar to that of the packaging. I found the consistency of the mask is relatively thick which I liked a great deal as it feels luxurious and expensive and it also makes it easy to apply. It is also soft and smooth and does not harden or crack whilst on your face. As for the smell, it is quite strange. It smells a little chemically and perhaps a bit like liquorice. I wouldn't say that it is unpleasant but it doesn't smell nice like a strawberry that's for sure.

Is the mask easy to remove? The mask will come off relatively easily although it quick texture and good quality means that it won't fall off of your face. I would say that use a damp facial cloth is your best option and if you rinse it out immediately afterwards, the product will not stain the cloth.

How often do I use the product? Generally, I don't use this product too often. I use it more so as something to pamper my skin once or twice a month.

Longevity of the product: I have found that a bottle of this bottle tends to last me approximately 10 applications. I don't think that there is any doubt that you could stretch this to perhaps 5 more, but I like to use a generous amount on my skin therefore probably don't get as many uses as I could from the product.

Does it work with your skin to rebalance, nourish and protect your complexion from skin-ageing? At 21 years of age, I'm not so sure that my skin needs protecting against skin-ageing yet but time will tell if continuing to use this mask will protect my complexion from signs or skin-ageing. I definitely felt that my skin was nourished after use though.

Does this self-heating thermal mask control the purifying qualities of natural charcoal to refine and clarify oily, blemish prone skin? When used, the product unquestionably helps my blemish prone skin. After using this, whether it is coincidence or not, my skin is always clearer. And I must say that I absolutely loved the warming and cooling sensation that takes place on my skin. It's like the product is having a party. It is so relaxing that I love it!

*Would I Recommend This Product?*

Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask is a superb product. Every time I use it, my skin feels fresh and revitalised afterwards. This product is the ultimate pampering for your face so if you are looking for a product that will make you feel fantastic and your skin smooth and soft, this is for you!

*Overall*

All in all, I think that Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask is a really great product but it is another of the products that I will generally only buy it as part of a 3 for 2 offers as it isn't an essential item in my beauty regime.

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Save your money and buy something else

My skin has been awful recently, greasy and spot prone, so I decided to use a face mask to try to sort it out a bit. This particular mask warms up once it's on the skin to open the pores and help draw out any impurities. It should also claims to absorb any excess oil whilst soothing and calming the skin, so it sounded like just what I needed.

I have used a couple of products from The Sanctuary skincare range in the past and had mixed results, so wasn't really sure what I should expect from this product.

You can buy this product in either a single use sachet or in a tube, from which you will get several uses. I bought the sachet as the tube is quite pricey and I wanted to try it before spending that much money.

To use this, you simply wet your face and smooth the mask over your skin. Being charcoal, the mask is grey in colour and it's very thick. As you apply it to your face it warms up slightly, and I find that if you actually massage it in a bit, this increases the heat. At no point does it become so hot it's uncomfortable, it's simply a very slight warming sensation.

The smell of the mask, I have to say, was awful. I thought it smelled mildly of cod liver oil. Luckily once it had been on my skin for a minute or so I stopped noticing it as much, but it was still there and it really wasn't very nice.

The mask only needs to be left on for five minutes, and after the time was up it was still wet and hadn't set at all. I actually found it quite difficult to wash off, because it was so thick and slimy, it didn't budge easily, and took quite some rinsing to get rid of it all. It does say that you can either rinse with water or use a damp cloth to remove, and I think if I used this again I'd go for the cloth option, as I imagine it would be a whole lot easier that way.

After using this I noticed an instant change in the feel of my skin. It was much softer and smoother although the area around my nose still felt a bit oily, so it doesn't seem if it had really absorbed excess oil as it had promised. In terms of appearance, my skin didn't really look to be any different to usual.

A sachet of the mask costs £1.75 or you can also buy a 100ml tube for £8.76 from Boots.

Although it made my skin feel nice, actually using the mask wasn't that great an experience due to the awful smell, and I didn't feel that the results were good enough for me to consider buying it again.

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Quality face mask, feels like its working but only time will tell

I was given this product as part of a gift set. I do not normally use face masks but am prepared to give anything a go once! I ran myself a lovely hot bath, lots of bubbles, put on some relaxing music and of course had the obligatory glass of ice cold chardonnay and in I got!

The face mask currently retails at £8.95 in Boots for a 100ml tube, which I anticipate will deliver at least 15 applications. It comes in a silver/grey tube that looks quite masculine in my opinion. The contents are also a grey colour (not really surprising when you consider that it is charcoal based!!!).

The directions advise to add a thin layer of the mask to face and neck, leave for 5 minutes then wash of with tepid water, and to use the product twice a week for best results.

The best thing about this product the fact that it heats on your skin as you apply it. At first it feels a little strange, but once you get used to it the sensation of this heating on the skin is really nice and relaxing. I know its probably really easy to do, but the 'science-y' bit makes this product something different and is impressive.

I also liked the fact that this face mask doesn't dry and crack on the skin, it just feels creamy and smooth.

I have only used the product once so far so can't comment on the long term effectiveness, but will add to this review at a later date. After one application my skin feels soft, but whether thats because its had a little tlc rather than the normal rushed routine I am not sure. I don't know what my impurities look like, so the promise to draw them out is a bit lost on me! But I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of using this product, especially the warming bit. Its a bit expensive to be bought as anything but a treat, but as Boots often have offers and vouchers available you may get some for less than the rrp.

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I won't be buying this again.

I am the same as Senga with this one, I only bought this product as you can get it for free in Boots with the vouchers they are giving out.I bought a few sachets of this with my vouchers as I thought they would be good presents for my friends.I love face masks as I find them very relaxing and couldn't wait to try this one out. As I was so eager to put it onto my skin I didn't read the packet, it freaked me out when it started to warm up until I realised it was supposed to be doing it!When I realised that it was supposed to be a 'warming' mask it left me a little disappointed as for about 30 seconds it was warm but it very quickly faded to my skin temperature. Saying this, I gave one to my friend and there experience was quite the opposite where their mask heated up quite hot and stayed hot!The texture of this mask is quite wet and it doesn't dry when you leave it on, for this reason I would put it on whilst having a bath to avoid it dripping on the floor!The ingredients that make this mask supposedly good are:Essential Oil of Myrrh and Kaolin Clay.

I wasn't too impressed with the outcome of the mask. My skin felt slightly softer, but nothing notable. It certainly didn't help with any blemishes on my skin either.The price for this mask when it's not on offer is £1.79, I wouldn't consider buying this again for that price.This may suit some people more than others, I don't really think there's an explanation as to why this worked for my friend and not for me, however if i'd have paid £1.79 for some lukewarm goo on my face I wouldn't have been impressed, I only don't mind because it was free!

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I will try something different next time......

For the past few weeks Boots Limited have been giving out a free £5 Skincare Voucher when you spend over £5 in store. The vouchers can only be used towards the cost of skincare ranges, that have been named on the voucher.

One of the named ranges is Sanctuary Spa. I got a packet of cleansing wipes, which I have already reviewed, and a 10ml sachet of 'Warming Charcoal Detox Mask. When I used my voucher at the till, all I had to pay was 78p.

I got the 10ml sachet of this detox mask, which would normally cost £1.79. You can also buy a 100ml tube which will set you back £8.95.

The sachet is a grey/blue colour and it says on the front, that it will 'treat and indulge your skin'.

The contents of the sachet are almost the same colour as the packaging. As soon as I opened the sachet and had a sniff, I was immediately met by a sort of liquorice aroma. I found the consistancy of the mask to be quite thick and very easy to apply.

I cleansed my skin and applied the detox mask to my face, making sure that I didn't get any near my eyes. After a few seconds I could feel the mask starting to warm up. I lay back and relaxed, and I have to say that I loved the warming feeling on my face. The mask didn't get hot, it just stayed a very pleasant warm.

The mask did not change in colour or texture while it was on my face. It told me on the instructions to remove the mask with tepid water or a damp facial sponge. I used tepid water and I have to admit that it did take a good few minutes to remove the entire mask from my face. If I was to use it again, I would probably use a facial sponge.

My face felt really cleansed and was slightly softer to the touch. I must admit, that I enjoyed the experience, and did feel as if I had been pampered.

The main ingredients in this mask are:

Activated CharcoalNatural Clay KaolinEssential Oil of MyrrhGlycerine

The charcoal and clay are to draw out impurities and the myrrh and glycerine are for soothing, softening and preventing moisture loss.

The mask did what it was supposed to do and I did feel a bit pampered. I think £1.79 is a bit expensive for one use and it does say on the sachet that it should be used once or twice a week. I would possibly buy this again, if it was on a good offer, but I would not pay the full price for it.